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The REAL Scary Truth about Black Cats

Have you heard the myth that black cats are unsafe in October, in part because witches may try to adopt them for rituals? We sure have. But guess what? Top ASPCA experts agree that it’s just not true.

At the ASPCA, we LOVE black kitties. (Some of our friendliest cats, like Marissa, are black—yet Marissa has waited more than nine months to find a family. What’s up with that?)

Aside from the most important reason to adopt black kitties—that they really need extra help finding homes—here are a few reasons to take home one or two:

Their fur won’t show on your little black dress.

You can tell your kids you adopted a mini panther.

Black cats go with everything.

In most cultures, black cats are a sign of good luck.

You already know black cats are awesome—you have one at home! If you’ve got a great black kitty, tell us about him or her in the comments. You just might persuade someone else to give these felines a little extra attention.

We adopted our black cat, Lucky, from our local shelter two years ago. He was missing a leg, but that hasn't stopped him from being an active fun loving member of our family!! He loves to play with our dogs and is friendly and loves to cuddle!!

A friend found a tiny black kitten near her home, the minute I saw him I knew he needed my help. He was barely alive and barely a week old. I brought this little guy back to life. I was never a 'cat' person but somehow he changed my mind. His name is Angelo, he is 10 years old and he is our mini panther.... 17 lbs. Everyone that meets him instantly likes him, he has the biggest personality. He rules our house.... But it is because he is the sweetest boy! He loves to cuddle and has learned tricks like 'sit' and fetch. I've never believed the myths people say about black cats, they are absolutely beautiful creatures. They all deserve a good home.

We have a black cat that adopted us exactly one year ago. Being the owner of a Doxie and yellow lab, I was concerned when he started coming around. He kept hanging around and the dogs began to accept him. Today he is just as much a family member to us as the dogs are. I can't imagine him not being a member of the family now. He loves to be scratched and is such a loving cat. He sleeps and eats with the dogs, and greets people at the door as if he is the host. Don't let the color of the fur scare you, ours has brought nothing but good luck to us.

Coming from celtic Britain, Black Cats have always been seen as being very lucky; e.g. if you receive a charm braclet - for a gift - a black cat charm should be the first charm on the jewellery - I have found that if a black cat crosses my path - I'm usually in for a big, nice surprise and for me is a fortunate omen - all my life this has been the case...One of my most affectionate cats was a pure black male cat named sooty - he was a darling and folowwed me every where - like he was protecting me...They make good hunters if you need a hunter by the way;-) Enjoy the luck which will flow your way....

My niece had 2 sister kittens from a litter her cat had. She was planning to take them to a rescue group, but I became the rescuer. One is all black and one is tiger striped. My sister named the black one BatCat (I've chosen Onyx but that doesn't seem to be sticking...). BatCat and Primrose are so hysterically funny when they're playing and I never know what state my house will be in when I get home from work. They love to eat popcorn with me while I'm watching a movie, and like two little babies, they have to be near me when I'm sleeping or getting ready for work in the a.m. I'm so glad I took these two litle girls. They are so entertaining. Black cats rule!

Hi. I agree that black cats are sweet--I adopted one last September that was a stray to protect him, but not from witches! Witches, AKA Wiccans, DO NOT use animals in rituals or harm them in any way! The rule Wiccans live by is "And it harm none, do what ye will". They respect life would not sacrifice animals. I agree that there are people out there who are dangerous to cats, especially black cats around Halloween, but it is NOT Wiccans who are doing this!

My black cat Spooky has lived with me for 6 years. He's super friendly and loves people who come to vist. He's also a lover boy and loves to be kissed. I love hime to death and wouldn't part with him for anything. Black cats rule!!

My sweet black boy is the most affectionate, laid back of my two cats. He has had some medical problems this summer but is so patient when I have to medicate him. In the evening he head butts me from the back of the couch and sleeps curled up against my legs. Did I mention, he is also beautiful !!